Guadalupe Sampedro, an international data protection lawyer with more than 20 years of experience, has joined Cooley as partner in London. Sampedro specializes in fintech and payments, and she also has significant experience resolving complex regulatory matters for leading multinational companies in other industries. The addition of Sampedro complements the growth of the firm’s global cyber/data/privacy practice. She joins Cooley from Bird & Bird, where she was a partner in its privacy and data protection group in both London and Madrid. Previously, Sampedro served as PayPal’s EU data protection officer and privacy director for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

“Lupe’s experience advising on international data protection both in-house and in private practice brings a unique perspective to our growing team,” said Patrick Van Eecke, head of Cooley’s European cyber/data/privacy practice. “Her deep domain knowledge will be instrumental as we continue to expand our cyber/data/privacy capabilities across Europe and beyond.”

“We are eager to welcome Lupe to the team,” added Justin Stock, managing partner of Cooley’s London office. “She has tremendous experience leading global players in the sector – a background that lends itself to guiding our existing and future clients seamlessly through issues at the forefront of innovation.”

Sampedro is well known for her ability to manage complex global projects and navigate across multiple jurisdictions. Having led the development of PayPal’s global privacy program and the process to implement new binding corporate rules following a complex separation from eBay, she is a proven leader in navigating the challenges institutions face when implementing regulatory changes and has a keen understanding of the importance of practical legal advice in a cutting-edge industry.

Prior to her time at PayPal, Sampedro practiced at leading Spanish law firm Garrigues, becoming head of its international privacy practice. Sampedro is admitted to practice in both the UK and Spain and regularly advises her clients on UK and European privacy law.

Cooley has 1,100+ lawyers across 16 offices in the United States, Asia and Europe.